Appetizer Sampler Recipe

Prep and Season

Pat 5 chicken wings dry with paper towels. In a bowl toss wings with 0.5 tsp salt, 0.25 tsp black pepper, 0.25 tsp garlic powder and 1 tablespoon cornstarch until evenly coated.

Fry Wings

Heat 1 cup vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry wings in a single layer for 8–10 minutes, turning once, until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C). Remove to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Sauce Toss

Place cooked wings in a bowl. Toss with 3 tbsp buffalo sauce for Buffalo wings OR 3 tbsp BBQ sauce for BBQ wings until well coated. Serve immediately with 1/2 cup ranch and/or 1/4 cup blue cheese on the side.

Double-Coat and Freeze (if using thawed sticks)

If mozzarella sticks are not fully frozen, freeze them solid for 30 minutes first. Set up a dredging station with 1/4 cup flour, 1 beaten egg, and 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs. Dredge each stick in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs. For extra crispness repeat the egg and breadcrumb step to double-coat. Return coated sticks to the freezer for 15 minutes to firm.

Fry Mozzarella Sticks

Heat 1 cup vegetable oil in a pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry sticks in small batches 1–1.5 minutes until golden — do not overcook or cheese will leak. Remove to paper towels to drain. Serve hot with 1/2 cup warm marinara for dipping.

Prepare Onion Rings

Peel the onion and slice into 1/4–1/2 inch rings. Separate rings and set aside. In a bowl whisk together 1/2 cup flour, 2 tbsp cornstarch, 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt and 0.25 tsp black pepper. Slowly whisk in 1/2 cup cold sparkling water until a smooth batter forms (thick but pourable).

Batter and Fry

Heat 2 cups vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 365°F (185°C). Dip rings into batter, letting excess drip off, then carefully place into hot oil in batches. Fry 2–3 minutes until puffed and golden. Remove to paper towels and keep warm.

Cook Frozen Fries

Cook 2 cups frozen fries according to package instructions for oven or air-fryer. If pan-frying: heat 1 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium-high, add fries in a single layer and cook 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally until crisp and golden. Season with 1/2 tsp salt immediately after cooking.

Arrange 5 sauced wings, 6 mozzarella sticks, a handful of onion rings (about 6–8), and a portion of fries on a large platter or divided appetizer plate. Place small ramekins of ranch/blue cheese and marinara alongside. Serve hot so mozzarella sticks and wings retain crispness.